Students take the lead in annual Charity Cabaret, raising funds for Sanctuary for Families

On February 5, Ursuline's Auriana Theater came alive as students in grades 6 through 12 took the stage for the eighth annual Charity Cabaret, a student-led tradition that proves any Ursuline student can step into the spotlight.

More than a performance, Charity Cabaret is a celebration of shared talent and shared purpose. Each year, students organize, direct, choreograph, and perform the show, with all proceeds benefiting Sanctuary for Families, a nonprofit organization that supports survivors of domestic abuse and their families.

This year's production was led by five student directors, Mya Joseph '26, Emily Trezza '26, Mikayla Egan '27, Erin O'Brien '27, and Aishwarya Punnoose '27 — with Rose Cockburn '27 serving as choreographer. Together, they guided the largest cast in the show's history, welcoming performers from middle and high school alike.

For seniors Joseph and Trezza, the experience marked a meaningful final chapter in their Ursuline performing arts journey, one defined not only by applause but by leadership.

"We sat down, organized all our thoughts, made a million spreadsheets and started chugging along," Trezza said. "My Google Drive is humongous."

Snow days in January compressed rehearsals, but the student leaders adapted, modeling resilience and teamwork. Along the way, they witnessed something even more meaningful: younger students growing in confidence.

Among them was eighth grader Renata Uhlinskyy '30, who initially joined after mistaking Charity Cabaret for the Broadway musical Cabaret.

"Once I started, I realized it’s so fun," Uhlinskyy said. "I love the directors and all the people I met here. I’d 100 percent do it again next year."

That sense of welcome is part of what makes Charity Cabaret distinctive. Whether performing a solo, singing in the ensemble, or helping behind the scenes, any student can participate, creating a space where confidence is built, friendships are formed, and talents are nurtured.

The program featured full-ensemble and small-group numbers from “Hairspray,” "The Greatest Showman,” "Matilda,” "Hamilton,” "Beauty and the Beast,” "Newsies,” "Little Shop of Horrors,” and "The Great Gatsby." The result was a dynamic evening of music that reflected both the breadth of student talent and the strength of Ursuline's Performing Arts program.

Beyond the spotlight, students also worked together to promote the show and sell tickets for three performances, united by a common goal.

"At the end of the day, we want to raise as much money as we can," Trezza said. "And we get to have fun doing it."

In the end, Charity Cabaret once again demonstrated what happens when music meets mission. Through song, leadership, and collaboration, students honored the gifts they have been given and used them in service of others.

The school congratulates the cast and crew, along with faculty advisers Mr. Sylvain Falipou-Karkari and Ms. Kelly Gentry of the Performing Arts Department, on a joyful and impactful production.